The VR46 Ducati MotoGP squad unveiled an all-new paint scheme for its 2024 premier class campaign, its first with new title sponsor Pertamina.
Its ’24 riding line-up – consisting of three-time 2023 race winner with the squad Marco Bezzecchi and new signing Fabio Di Gianantonio – was on hand to lift the covers off its pair of Desmosedici machines. The VR46 event was live-streamed from the Palazzo dei Congressi in Riccione, just 20 minutes away from team owner Valentino Rossi’s hometown in Italy.
The Italian operation will run a radically different scheme this season. Dayglow yellow coloring, which is synonymous with Rossi, remains at the front and along the bottom of the machine, while a large portion of white replaces the black on the top and rear of the bike.
Pertamina’s Enduro brand is adorned along the side of the Desmosedici against a red background, while global online auction brand eBay has a greater presence along its flanks.
Bezzecchi will be looking to build upon his impressive 2023 term as he looks to establish himself at the forefront of the field. His Ducati GP23, which Francesco Bagnaia took to the rider’s title last season, should prove competitive enough to allow him to battle for a second successive championship podium.
Di Gianantonio meanwhile will be keen to keep up the momentum he built across the second half of his sophomore premier class campaign with Gresini. Having come to grips with the machine following a tough opening season-and-a-half in the class, he managed to beat eventual champion Bagnaia to a maiden victory in emphatic style in the Qatar Grand Prix.
